Meet the DCSA Executive Committee

Hi, I’m Katie, a Linguistics PhD student specialising in Forensic Phonetics and Queer Linguistics. I’ve moved around for much of my life (so from nowhere in particular) but I currently live in Windsor. When I’m not working on my PhD or doing DCSA related things, you can usually find me singing, listening to music or enjoying a drink with my friends at DarBar. If you’ve got any questions about the DCSA or college, feel free to pop me an email or come and say hi!

The President is the representative of the DCSA to College, voicing the opinions of the students to all College members. They coordinate the committee by chairing DCSA Regular Meetings and General Meetings. The President works very closely with the Secretary, Treasurer, and the rest of the committee to ensure work is completed. The President sits on the College Council as a student representative, attends fortnightly Cambridge Students’ Union meetings, and sits on numerous College committees (including Strategic Planning, PREVENT, Health & Safety, and Wine).

Hi, I'm David, and I'm a Physics PhD student from Essex working on defect centres in diamonds- in short, I get to shoot lasers at diamonds. When I’m not stuck in a windowless lab I'm usually playing bass, reading books, or building Lego.

The Secretary is the administrator of the committee and the Vice President (chair meetings and run the committee in the absence of the President). They run DCSA elections, take meeting minutes, and ensure that up-to-date records of the DCSA’s affairs are maintained, including policy documents and the DCSA Constitution, Schedule, & Regulations. The Secretary also sits on the Buildings & Grounds and the Darwin College Society Committees; and is in charge of the TV room and its bookings.

Hey all! I’m Kerem, a second-year PhD student in materials science, working on the synthesis and characterisation of artificial skin. Outside of work, you might find me working at the Darbar, punting around with friends chasing the swans or training for the Cambridge marathon.

The Treasurer is responsible for managing the finances of the DCSA, including drafting the annual budget, publishing periodic expense reports, and assessing the financial feasibility of projects. They are responsible for ensuring timely reimbursements and payments of invoices and for maintaining accurate financial records. The Treasurer also sits on the College Finance Committee.

Hi there! In my third year of doctoral studies on the undeciphered writing of the Bronze Age in Greece, I am usually to be found working about the parlour or gardens unless I am out on the Cam. An excellent punter, a tolerable student and a dismal musician, beyond enjoying the outdoors I have pretensions at assorted literary and artistic pursuits and am always up for a chat about anything.

The Admiral of the Punts is responsible for all the punt club's vessels, including punts, kayaks, canoe, paddle boards, and associated equipment. They manage Punt Club membership, finances, and administration, and they work with several trusted Captains to ensure the vessels are maintained and to organize social events throughout the year. Have a look at our website if you’d like to learn more about the Darwin Punt Club.

The BAME officer works with college to further the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour’ (BIPOC) students, to create initiatives through which we can create a space that allows BIPOC students to reach their full potential, and better the everyday experience of life in Cambridge, as well as to figure out ways to deal with structural racism and increasing access for BIPOC.

Still no bio from Janani :-/

The Comms Officer is responsible for sending out the WhatsUp email blasts, maintaining the website, and otherwise attending to DCSA communication needs such as sitting on the college Information Services Committee. Please get in touch if you’d like to share something in WhatsUp or for any other communication-related needs. Speaking of which don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list!

The Disabilities Officer is a position to support other DCSA officers and the college to improve accessibility for, and inclusivity of, students with any disability or long-term health condition.

The Ents Officers coordinate, organise, and promote the Darwin BOPs. They are responsible for the music, decorations, security, and finances. They also work with the Events Officer to host other events throughout the year. Darwin BOPs are known for their vibrant atmosphere and original themes and they always have the most popular Cambridge bands performing. Think live music, themes, drinks, DJs, raffles, good vibes and dancing until the early morning... Reach out to them if you have any ideas! One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

I’m Kilian, a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering working on heat exchangers for hydrogen planes. I love watching planes and travelling in (hopefully electric) trains, playing volleyball, reading/listening to podcasts on climate, energy and politics. I’ve recently discovered meditation and love hearing about how climate enters (or doesn’t) into people’s travel decisions. If you know anyone who’s hesitating to get an electric car, a heat pump or solar panels I’d love to help figure out if it’s right for them!

The Environmental & Ethical Affairs Officer is responsible for the coordination and implementation of measures to address environmental and ethical issues, and organises college events promoting awareness of these issues. Please feel free to get in touch and share an issue that you feel passionate about, so that they can support you in sharing it with the Darwin community. They oversee the Gardening Society and sit on the Buildings & Grounds, Meals and IT committees.

Hi! I’m Grete, a first year PhD student in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. I’m currently focusing on second language idiom processing and how our brains react when the language form and meaning don’t quite match. If I’m not working in the Parlor, you can usually find me on the Taekwondo mats, finding new cafes, or searching for my next adventure. If you have any ideas for events you would like to see around the college, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know!

The Events Officer coordinates, organises, and promotes social and entertainment activities in college, including the May Week Garden Party, summer BBQ, and other smaller events throughout the year. They also administer the DCSA’s College Calendar.

Hi everyone, I’m Alex. I’m from Berlin, and I’m enrolled in the LL.M. program, where I mainly study public international law. When I’m not trying to catch up with the seemingly never-ending reading lists, I enjoy rowing, going to the gym, and spending time with my friends at Darbar. The External Officer is responsible for organising formal swaps with other Colleges, and for hosting other Colleges when they visit Darwin for formal swaps. They also represent the DCSA at Cambridge Students’ Union meetings.

The Families Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students with families - those with partners and/or children of all ages. They work to involve students with families in college events and organise events aimed at these students. See the families guide for lots of useful information.

Hi! I’m Merve — a Clinical Neurosciences PhD student from Cyprus. Twelve years ago, I set off on an adventure to pursue my passion for science in England. Along the way, I’ve lived in different countries, creating meaningful memories and friendships. Though I carry the bittersweet essence of missing home, I embrace the challenge of adapting and finding comfort in new surroundings. I believe that a sense of belonging is nurtured by those who welcome us, listen to our stories, and share in our experiences. Therefore, whether you’re seeking a friendly chat, need assistance, looking for resources, or want a quiet moment, I’m here to help create a sense of home far away from home.

The International Officer is responsible for representing the needs of international students (e.g. internal collegiate administrative matters - such as testing for international students), providing welfare support and organising events for fellow Darwinians which highlight cultural diversity. They also serve as a chair on the international crisis committee wherein international students speak about pertinent world affairs (e.g. political conflicts within their home countries).

The role of the Q+ Officer is to act as a representative for the interests of LGBTQ+ students at the college level, as well as to organise social events, mixers and workshops benefiting the college’s LGBTQ+ community. Importantly, should any student have the slightest concern about their ability to express their gender or sexual identity in college, Joe is always there to chat, advise and help out where possible.

I'm Andy, a second year engineering PhD student researching ground-borne vibration in buildings, having worked previously in civil engineering construction. You'll hear from me when there are opportunities to get involved in sports at any level, to support Darwinians in University-level sport as they crush O*ford in their Varsity matches, or if we're showing major sporting events in college. If we start training now, we're sure to reclaim the sports day trophy from Wolfson (Oxon) when they come over in spring 2026...

The Sports and Societies Officers are responsible for maintaining the gym and for overseeing Darwin’s sports and societies. They are also responsible for organising the Darwin-Wolfson Sports Day, a day of friendly competition against our sister college at Oxford, held every March. One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hey, I’m Dom, I am currently in my 2nd year of my PhD studying plant science at the Sainsbury Lab in the botanic garden. My research explores the mechanical stress responses of plants and explore how they are able to detect touch and push back against it. While not in the lab I love to run and hike, anything outdoors basically and am recently getting into reading so I’m taking book suggestions. Here to talk over whatever drink takes your fancy, love a good natter so feel free to approach me around the college:)

The Welfare Officers are the student contact for students who are in need of help or advice. The two can advise you how to deal with any issues you face and who you should contact to get the help you need. Together, they organise welfare events throughout the year, such as Welfare Teas and Welfare Walks. Drop us an email or come find us on Facebook or College, if you need anything or just want to have a chat!

Hi everyone! I’m Han, from Southeast China, and I’m currently studying for an MPhil in Conservation Leadership. When I’m not keeping up with work, you’ll probably find me spending time outdoors, climbing, or settling into a quiet corner of a coffee shop. I love meeting people with all kinds of stories, so if we cross paths, give me a wave or come say hi!

The Women's Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students who identify as women/non-binary and promoting issues of gender, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Women’s Officer is responsible for campaigning to ensure that students' bodily autonomy is respected in all areas relevant to their sexual and reproductive health, tackling sexual violence and harassment in education, and working with student activists, officers and sector experts to remove barriers to support and justice for survivors and for institutions to be held accountable for failing to keep students safe. The Office ensures that Darwin is effective in its representation of the community it represents within the University and that the college is sensitive to these students' needs and issues.

Hi, I’m Liz, in my second year of my PhD at the Department of Land Economy studying how energy policy influences the innovation of renewable energy technology. I love dancing, hiking, traveling and trying out new things - for example, I took up Archery in my first year in Cambridge. Chances are you will often see me around Darwin, be it in the dining hall, the garden or taking out one of the punts or kayaks. I’m always happy to chat so please don’t hesitate to reach out or say hello if you see me around!

Still no bio from Mary :-/

The College Council Reps are elected by the students to represent them in College Council meetings and other college committees. They also report the business of College Council to the DCSA, and provide feedback to college on student interests. One rep is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hey hey, I’m Aidan! I’m a third-year PhD student in Computer Science, researching the mathematical foundations of computer science (“P vs NP” stuff for those familiar). I grew up in the US and spend much of my free time traveling and trying out new hobbies. Among many others, I’m highly involved in the university’s gymnastics club and yacht sailing club. You’ll likely find me chilling in DarBar with friends so if you have any bar- or adventure-related questions, feel free to come say hi!

DarBar is the college bar and is totally run and staffed by Darwin students. The Bar Chair presides over the Bar Committee and the large group of bartenders, and makes sure everyone can enjoy the bar, whilst keeping a safe and welcoming space both for customers and staff. If you have any questions or ideas for making Darbar even better please get in contact with the email above. The Bar Chair is elected by the Bar Committee annually.